- International Fees
International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Course Overview
All lifestyle, factual, reality or documentary television tells a story, even though there is no script. Story editing for these genres is an important and collaborative art between producers, directors, story editors and editors to create a cohesive, impactful story to each episode and series as a whole. Students will learn the job of the story editor in unscripted television and how they interact with other key creatives, how episodic unscripted television is produced and the post-production process and workflow. Analysis of episodic unscripted television series will focus on understanding the story threads, identifying the A, B and C story, characterization elements and story thread conclusions. Students will learn about the pieces they will have to draw on to build and advance story, including scene work, interviews, both sit-down and on the fly style, B-roll, and shot coverage and will have the opportunity to outline, storyboard and string-out an act of an episodic series. Students will learn to create story outlines, storyboards, and scene string-outs of footage to create entertaining and informative, well-paced scenes.
Prerequisite(s)
- No prerequisites are required for this course.
Credits
3.0
Domestic fees
$620.88
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Define the role of story editor in unscripted television projects and where the role fits in the production process.
- Identify story threads through analysis of television episodes.
- Describe how episodic factual television goes from conception to delivery and the workflow of post.
- Articulate the story editor's role in rough cut, fine cut and lock cut.
- Explain the various elements at a story editor's disposal to create compelling episodes and be able to identify elements of pacing, tone, character development and story advancement.
- Conceptualize A stories, B stories and C stories from footage and episodic examples and express them through written outlines and discussion
- Stringout/Paper edit a scene from transcripts/footage examples provided
- Use basic editing skills both paper and software
- Build successful sequences and scenes.
- Articulate observations of basic formats and the role of the story editor within them through examples and case studies
- Trouble shoot story problems and solutions such as writing voice over/Narration to advance scenes where footage does not exist.
Effective as of Fall 2024
Related Programs
Intro to Story Editing for Factual / Unscripted Television (BCST 1710) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
School of Business + Media
- Broadcast and Digital Journalism
Associate Certificate Part-time
- Radio Arts and Entertainment
Associate Certificate Part-time
- Video Production and Editing
Associate Certificate Part-time
Course Offerings
Winter 2026
Below is one offering of BCST 1710 for the Winter 2026 term.
CRN 92535
Dates
Jan 14 - Mar 18 Loading
- CRN 92535
- $620.88 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 14 | Wed | 18:00 - 21:00 | Burnaby SE10 Rm. 102 |
| Jan 21 | Wed | 18:00 - 21:00 | Burnaby SE10 Rm. 102 |
| Jan 28 | N/A | 18:00 - 21:00 | Burnaby SE10 Rm. 102 |
| Feb 11 | Wed | 18:00 - 21:00 | Online |
| Feb 18 - Feb 25 | Wed | 18:00 - 21:00 | Online |
| Mar 04 | Wed | 18:00 - 21:00 | Burnaby SE10 Rm. 102 |
| Mar 11 | Wed | 18:00 - 21:00 | Burnaby SE10 Rm. 102 |
| Mar 18 | Wed | 18:00 - 21:00 | Burnaby SE10 Rm. 102 |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Erin Redden
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
- This course is hybrid delivery – both synchronous online and in person classes. You will be expected to attend online and in person classes (in Burnaby Campus SE10 building) during the posted class meeting times on the course webpage as this is not a self-paced course. Prospective students should have solid written and spoken English language skills to be successful in this course. If seats remain, registration is permitted without approval up to January 20h, by calling 604-434-1610.
Status
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.